Anesthesia and Managing Anxiety

Anxiety is not uncommon among children, especially if they had bad experiences previously.  We resolve this in several ways. First, the use of child-specific IV sedation allows them to take a nap during the procedure. This helps to make them comfortable and reduce anxiety. Second, they will be cared by a group of affable staff members who take time to personally connect with each child and allay their fears and concerns.  Your child is given full “perceived” control of the events that take place and they approve each step along the way. At no time is a child ever held down, talked to loudly, or strapped. These methods are outdated and ineffective. Finally, the procedure is done in a conservative fashion to help minimize or avoid swelling, pain, and complications that others report as bad experiences.

Optimal anesthesia and safety for children:

A person’s dental experience as a child greatly affects their outlook and confidence in dentistry as adults. The best way to manage your child’s anxiety and assure a non-traumatic experience is to have a child-specific IV sedation form of anesthesia. It is the most recommended option and chosen by many parents. However, for very minor procedures in older and more cooperative children, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and local anesthesia may be adequate.  In the very young age group (age 3 to 5) an intramuscular dose of certain medications can also be sufficient. Dr. Kazemi is trained and licensed in administering of office anesthesia.  It is very safe and effective. You can rest assured that Dr. Kazemi and his well-trained staff monitor children continually, and make sure that only enough anesthesia is given for the duration of the procedure.

IV sedation is a very safe and predictable in healthy patients when administered by an experienced clinician with proper training and accepted protocol.  The patient is continually monitoring during anesthesia and emergency equipment is on hand, if necessary. The medications used have a long history of safety and are short-acting.  Anesthesia is also safe In patients with respiratory problems or cardiovascular disease, providing that precautions are taken. To avoid possible airway compromise, patients with severe upper respiratory compromise, such as severe cold with stuffy nose and productive cough are best to postpone the surgery until they feel better.

The facility is equipped with emergency equipment and medications and the entire team is trained to manage any possible complications quickly and properly. The surgeon is CPR and ACLS certified and can manage any complications that arise effectively and quickly. Suburban hospital is in close proximity in the event additional assistance is required.

Children on medications for ADHD?

Many children are on medications for ADHD (such as Ritalin). These medications do not impose any problems with respect to the surgery, anesthesia, or post operative medications, and they maybe continued as prescribed.